Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

B M J Publishing Group

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research

RAS ID

10829

Comments

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of: Abbiss, C. , Straker, L., Quod, M., Martin, D., & Laursen, P. B. (2010). Examining pacing profiles in elite female road cyclists using exposure variation analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(6), 437–442. Available here

Abstract

Objective In this study, the amplitude and time distribution of power output in a variety of competitive cycling events through the use of a new mathematical analysis was examined: exposure variation analysis (EVA). Design Descriptive field study. Setting Various professional road cycling events, including; a 5-day—eight-stage tour race, a 1-day World Cup event and the Australian National Individual Time Trial Championships. Participants 9 elite female cyclists (mean (SD), mass = 57.8 (3.4) kg, height = 167.3 (2.8) cm, Vo2peak = 63.2 (5.2) ml kg−1 min−1). Interventions None. Main outcome measurements The variation in power output and the quantification of the total time and acute time spent at various exercise intensities during competitive professional cycling were examined. Predefined levels of exercise intensity that elicited first ventilation threshold, second ventilation threshold and maximal aerobic power were determined from a graded exercise test performed before the events and compared with power output during each event. Results EVA exposed that power output during the time trial was highly variable (EVASD = 2.81 (0.33)) but more evenly distributed than the circuit/criterium (4.23 (0.31)) and road race events (4.81 (0.96)). Conclusion EVA may be useful for illustrating variations in the amplitude and time distribution of power output during cycling events. The specific race format influenced not only the overall time spent in various power bands, but also the acute time spent at these exercise intensities.

DOI

10.1136/bjsm.2008.047787

Access Rights

free_to_read

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1136/bjsm.2008.047787